Every year, Star readers open their hearts and wallets to make a difference in the lives of children.

And every now and then, some choose to make their donations quietly.

“I know there are a lot of children who need help,” said one such donor, a senior who called to purchase a cookbook written by former Star staff food writer Mary McGrath. Proceeds from its sale and her two other books support The Star’s Fresh Air and Santa Claus funds.

Anonymous read the article in last Friday’s paper and knew she just had to complete her collection of McGrath’s recipe books. We called the author, who said she’ll gladly arrange it.

Anonymous also said she’ll be mailing her annual donation to the Fresh Air Fund because she knows children benefit from being out and about in the summer, but some families may not be able to afford the fees.

“I’ve been sending two cheques every year for over 20 years ” she said from her home outside of Cambridge in Ayr, Ont. “I send $100 at Christmas and $100 in the summer. It’s for the children. It all counts, and I’m happy to do it.”

Anonymous, a former Scarborough resident who raised a family there with her husband, said that while she didn’t go to camp growing up, her brothers sure did. One went to YMCA camp; the other, a Kiwanis camp at Trinity Park.

They were among the lucky ones because their parents could pay for it. So many kids today aren’t that fortunate.

With each donation, The Fresh Air Fund comes one step closer to the goal of making a difference in the lives of children who need it most.

With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special-needs children to camp. The experience gives them memories to last a lifetime.

If you have benefitted from the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca or phone 416-869-4309

How to donate

With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special needs children to camp. Our target is $650,000. Here’s how to give:

BY CHEQUE: Mail to the Toronto Star, Fresh Air Fund, One Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5E 1E6.